2015 Helix Columbia Valley Merlot

Ahh, what a pleasant Sunday spent relaxing and slow cooking, all in preparation for a classic comfort food Sunday dinner.  And of course we'll need some wine to go with that, so I've opened up a bottle of Washington Merlot, so I could satisfy my Merlot Challenge early this month!  The 2015 Helix Columbia Valley Merlot is produced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, from one of the hottest vintages on record (I was visiting Walla Walla in August 2015, and I recall the harvest was in full swing by the time I left!).  So let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, classic for a 100% Merlot.  The nose is a real treat, with layers of sweet ripe fruit, cherry, strawberry and plum, with just a hint of prune.  The taste is a rush of black cherry, blueberry and boysenberry up front that transitions to some earthy notes of grass and cedar midpalate, with just a hint of mint and dark chocolate on the finish.  The tannins are velvety smooth, with bright acidity providing for a wonderfully smooth and dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as Helix Merlot is a perennial favorite for the varietal and this is a wonderful vintage.  This wine would pair well with a variety of casual, weeknight dinners, from steaks to pizza, tacos to barbecue.  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a slow roasted barbecued pork shoulder, scalloped potatoes, green beans and cornbread.  Cheers!